d the elephants and rhinoceroses in the
Zoological Gardens with globes for diversion suited to their sizes, but
it seems the elephants took to playing ball so furiously, that 'there
was danger of their houses being swept down altogether; so they were
forbidden to use them indoors.' The polar bear was given a toy which, we
are told, 'amuses him immensely.'"

[Illustration]

THE SUCKING-PIG.

The other day our children came home delighted at having seen a little
pig drinking out of a bottle, just like a baby. I went to see it, and I
was introduced to its owner, who lived in a cottage, the principal room
of which was painted light blue. A good-natured old woman was there with
her two orphan grand-children. The red tiles of the cottage floor were
enlivened by a gray-and-white cat, and a shiny-skinned little pig, of
about a month old, which was fed out of a feeding-bottle. This was the
hero of the place.

The little pig is grateful for good treatment, and as capable of
attachment as a horse or a dog. The pig is intelligent, and it can be
taught tricks. Performing pigs are often the attractions of country
fairs. I have seen pigs in the poor neighborhoods of London follow their
masters through noisy streets, and into busy public-houses, where they
laid down at their masters' feet like a dog.

[Illustration]

BELL-RINGERS.

When a child, my father took me to see some feats performed by some
traveling cats. They were called "the bell-ringers," and were
respectively named Jet, Blanche, Tom, Mop, and Tib.

Five bells were hung at regular intervals on a round hoop erected on a
sort of stage. A rope was attached to each bell after the manner of
church bells. At a given signal from their master, they all sprang to
their feet, and at a second signal, each advanced to the ropes, and
standing on their hind feet, stuck their front claws firmly into the
ropes, which were in that part covered with worsted, or something of the
kind, so as to give the claws a firmer hold. There was a moment's
pause--then No. 1 pulled his or her rope, and so sounded the largest
bell; No. 2 followed, then No. 3, and so on, till a regular peal was
rung with almost as much precision and spirit as though it were human
hands instead of cats' claws that effected it.

[Illustration]

THE GUINEA-PIG.

The Guinea-pig is a native of South America, and is remarkable for the
beauty and variety of its colors, and the neatness of its